By EMS1 Staff
KINGSPORT, Tenn. — A paramedic is embarking on a trek to raise money for a girl with cerebral palsy.
Times-News reported that paramedic and Sullivan County EMS Captain James Hubbard met Lilyan, 8, in 2015 through the organization I Run 4, which matches runners with people with disabilities to encourage relationships and raise money for charity.
Lilyan was born weighing less than 2.2 pounds, and her parents were told she would never be able to enjoy things such as walking or getting out of bed. Hubbard said she has undergone several surgeries and goes through therapy every day.
Hubbard began running a few years ago to lose weight, and is now on a 104.8-mile run for Lilyan.
“I lived most of my life pretty unhealthy,” Hubbard said. “I weighed almost 400 pounds five years ago, so I started running as a way to keep the weight off.”
Hubbard has already ran a half-marathon for Lilyan, but he wanted to do something bigger this time. He multiplied her age by the length of a half-marathon to get 104.8 miles.
“I think I’m ready for it. It’s a big undertaking, and there are a lot of hills between here and there,” Hubbard said.
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